TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's government has expanded its rental subsidy program, allocating a budget of NT$30 billion. The application period commenced on Monday (June 3) and will conclude at 5 p.m. on Dec. 31 next year.
The subsidy amount will be directly deposited into the bank accounts of eligible applicants by the central government. Notably, the eligibility criteria have been broadened to encompass individuals aged 18 and above who wish to apply for the rental subsidy.
Below is a concise overview of the rental subsidy scheme:
Who is eligible for the rental subsidy?
As per the Ministry of the Interior, individuals with incomes below three times the minimum living expenses, who do not own residential properties (including their spouses and underage children), are eligible to apply for the rental subsidy. Furthermore, additional benefits of 1.2 to 1.8 times the normal amount are available for single young adults, newlywed couples, families with underage children, and economically or socially disadvantaged individuals.
The rental subsidy amount varies depending on the region and specific conditions. The application guidelines specify three tiers for the subsidy amount:
Tier 1: Families with two or more members, including at least one member, classified as a low-income household, or families with three or more members, including at least one member, classified as a middle-to-low-income household. In Taipei City, the subsidy is NT＄8,000, whereas, in New Taipei City, it ranges from NT＄3,600 to NT＄5,000, varying by district. Other counties and cities offer subsidies ranging from NT＄3,600 to NT＄5,000.
Tier 2: Individuals who need to meet the Tier 1 or Tier 3 criteria. The subsidy amount ranges from NT＄3,200 to NT＄5,000, depending on the region.
Tier 3: Individuals under 40 with no economic or social disadvantages, including unmarried young adults, fall into this category. The subsidy amount ranges from NT＄2,000 to NT＄3,000.
How to apply?
Presently, the primary method to apply for the rental subsidy is through the Ministry of the Interior's online application system: https://has.cpami.gov.tw/house300e/.
Applicants must prepare supporting documents, including a copy of the lease agreement and proof of their bank account. For those who find the online application system inconvenient, social welfare organizations and intermediaries are available to assist with the process. Furthermore, individuals unable to apply through these channels can download a paper application form, which can be mailed to the Construction and Planning Agency, Ministry of the Interior, for processing.
